A federal judge in California has approved a settlement from a class action lawsuit against the Department of Defense for discharging former service members based on their sexual orientation. This settlement facilitates an estimated 35,000 service members in upgrading their discharges and removing sexual orientation markers from their records. This includes an expedited process that alleviates the lengthy burden of obtaining military records. The lawsuit was initiated by former service members advocating for recognition and dignity.
The expedited process removes the considerable burden on veterans to first obtain their military records - a process that can take years - and then submit full petitions supported by evidence to the Board - another process that can take years.
I believe that part of service is standing up for what is right. That is why I publicly spoke out against Don't Ask, Don't Tell, even though it led to my discharge from the Marine Corps.
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